The Empty Tomb

The Resurrection of the Lord

05 April 2026

 

First Reading: Acts 10:34a, 37-43

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23

Second Reading: Colossians 3:1-4 or 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8

Gospel: John 20:1-9 or Matthew 28:1-10

 

Reflection

By: Benj Santiago

The Resurrection of Christ is a message of hope for a nation often burdened by poverty, corruption, disasters, and uncertainty brought about by the Middle East conflict between Iran vs Israel and USA. 

Like the disciples who found the empty tomb, we are invited to believe even when situations look hopeless. 

The risen Christ reminds us that suffering is not the end, and darkness never has the final word. 

In a country facing economic hardship, rising prices, and social division, Easter calls us to renew our faith, rebuild our communities, and rise above fear with courage, unity, and compassion. 

Hope is alive, and new life is always possible.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, Risen Savior, in our nation burdened by poverty, corruption, disasters, and uncertainty, renew our hope. 

When life seems hopeless, help us believe in Your victory over darkness. Strengthen our faith, unite our people, and give us courage to rebuild with compassion. 

May Your Resurrection inspire new life in us all. Amen.

Ask God

First Sunday of Lent

22 February 2026

 

First Reading: Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 17

Second Reading: Romans 5:12-19

Gospel: Matthew 4:1-11

 

Reflection

By: Grace B. Madriñan

 

“It is written: One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.” - Matthew 4:4

If I were to undergo a temptation in the desert, I would definitely fail at the first temptation. Imagine being hungry and being offered bread!? I love bread! 

We are truly grateful indeed that Jesus is Lord and the Son of God! Though born human, He did not let his humanity prevail. Otherwise we will be doomed in our sins and salvation is farther from reach.

Today’s Gospel shows us one of the reasons why Jesus is born to this world. He came to show us clearly that temptation can be overcome. He did not come as God but as a friend or a brother telling us that He too suffered, He too was tempted yet prevailed.  

Recalling one of the Facebook posts I saw, it tells of a father’s experience in one of the summer camps with his daughter. As part of the exercise, the father was told only three instructions to be said to his blindfolded daughter and he can repeat it as many times as he likes. In the first instance, the father was told to let go of his daughter. Then in the second instance, he was told not to talk to their daughter unless the daughter remembered one of the instructions and used it. During the trek, the daughter was led to a ditch but she remembered one of the instructions and said, “Dad, are you there?” The father was then allowed to respond, “Yes I am here” The father and daughter finished the trek successfully since the daughter remembered the instructions his father gave to her, “I will never leave you. You can ask me anything. You should only listen to the sound of my voice.”

I believe we should do the same in moments of temptation. We should remember that 

“God will never leave us” 

“We can ask God for anything” 

“We should only listen to the sound of His voice”.

Prayer

Father God, there is a lot of noise around us and we are tempted in every way. We need to only remember that Jesus overcame every sin and every temptation. Continue to accompany and speak to us so we too may avoid sin and temptation. Amen.